Top Places to Visit on a Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Egypt’s majestic gateways make it a prime location for explorers around the world. From pyramids to museums depicting the culture of mummification. You get a lot to explore in Egypt and on a dahabiya cruise. The longest river, the Nile, whose riverbanks hold the scents of history through engraved temples, and nature’s scenic views, add charm to the overall scenic atmosphere.
With all this, a Dahabiya makes the trip to Egypt more memorable and luxurious in many ways, from the exotic dining experience to shore excursions along the Nile River. The sailboats are crafted with details to offer you a perfect leisure experience, and they also have Egyptologists and tour guides who make exploration easy and engaging.
So here is the list of places you visit on a 4-day, 3-night Dahabiya Nile Cruise, Aswan to Luxor
Philae Temple
On the first day of the trip, you start by exploring the Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan. The temple is devoted to the prominent mother goddess of ancient Egypt, the goddess Isis. It is moved stone by stone to preserve its stories that were damaged by the flooding of the Nile River in the 1960s. The Greco-Roman architecture and Egyptian art make it one of the sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Unfinished Obelisk
It is one of the ancient incomplete obelisks of Egypt found in the granite quarries of Aswan. The stone carries the secrets of ancient quarrying and stonemasonry techniques used over time. People who are passionate about history find the obelisk’s secrets fascinating. If you have booked an itinerary from Aswan, then the tour guide will assist you from the airport, and then you will explore the famous sites around the city before boarding the cruise.
High Dam
It is the dynamically designed dam between 1960 and the 1970s. This was built to regulate the flow of the river and helps in generating hydroelectricity. It also led to the formation of the Lake Nasser reservoir, which is a key attraction for tourists. On day 1, you explore these places in Aswan and then board your luxurious Nile Dahabiya cruise, and from here, your journey begins.
Kom Ombo Temple
Then your golden sailboat, dahabiya sails, will offer you meals and cabins for relaxing. The first shore excursion will be the famous dual god temple of Sobek and Horus. The temple is famous for its unique design, as one side of the temple is dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god), and the other part of the temple is devoted to the falcon-headed god, Horus. The symmetrical design of the monument is eye-catching and holds the essence of the Greco-Roman period.
Edfu Temple
On day 2 of exploration, after sailing at night, the passengers reach Edfu, also known as the House of Horus, as the temple is devoted to the son of the gods Isis and Osiris. The monument was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty. The history is engraved on the walls; the tour guide included in your itinerary of the dahabiya cruise will narrate the stories, specifying the significance of Edfu Temple in Egyptian history. If you booked with Swan Dahabiya, then the temple is explored by a horse-drawn carriage.
Karnak & Luxor Temple
On day 3, after sailing overnight on the Nile and enjoying an evening on the dahabiya, you reach your next location, Luxor. The Karnak and Luxor temples are other prominent sites that are included in the itinerary. Both temples are usually visited together in the modern city of Luxor. Karnak Temple is devoted to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and Luxor Temple is a major point for the celebration of the divine powers of pharaohs.
Valley of Kings
On the last day after disembarking the Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise, the tour guides give you an exploration journey to the final resting place of the great rulers of Egypt. The tombs of King Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Queen Hatshepsut are situated at that place and are widely visited by tourists. The carved paintings and stories on the walls of the tombs give a great insight into Egyptian culture.
Temple of Hatshepsut
The site is situated on the west bank of Luxor, dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is also known as the largest open-air museum in Egypt. The site is also used for organizing festivities and Egyptian occasions. This place is built in honor of the spirit of the pharaoh, and now, because of its unique design, it’s become a famous site for tourists on an Egypt tour.
Colossi of Memnon
These are two statues that are known as the guards of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple during 1370 BCE. They are 60 feet tall and built on a single stone block of quartzite sandstone. They speak about ancient cravings on a single stone and hold the wonders of the Egyptian heritage. The statues are situated on the west banks of the River Nile. It’s a perfect place for pictures, and here your exploration journey ends on a Dahabiya cruise itinerary. Then you get assistance for departure to the Luxor airport.
In 4 days, you cover all the major sites between Aswan and Luxor on a luxurious dahabiya cruise. For these reasons, the cruises over the Nile River are famous among tourists, as they get a premium feel on the dahabiya, and along with that, they witness the historical secrets of the unique Egyptian culture.
Conclusion
The Dahabiya sailing ship adds a touch of sophistication and authenticity to your trip to Egypt. Explore, relax, and have fun on board for an enriching vacation. Book a Swan Dahabiya cruise on your trip to Egypt, as it is one of the famous cruise lines for impressive shore excursions. Small Nile cruise booking directly from the website offers you a better and more transparent booking process. You can fill out the inquiry form on the site; keep in mind to select the right itinerary for an optimal travel experience.